Amber Heard’s Ex-Girlfriend Says Reports of Heard Abusing Her in 2009 Were ‘Over-Sensationalized’

Since Amber Heard accused estranged husband Johnny Depp of domestic violence, the Depp camp has attempted to discredit her, while friends have passionately come to her defense. iO Tillett White wrote an essay about domestic violence and the culture of victim-blaming and included several visceral details of Depp’s alleged abuse. And now, following news that Heard was arrested for abusing her ex-girlfriend Tasya van Ree in 2009, van Ree has spoken up as well.

As a refresher, reports emerged that Heard was arrested seven years ago for grabbing and striking van Ree on the arm while in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. She appeared in court the following day, but no charges were filed.

Heard and van Ree split up in 2012 but remained on good terms, and People reports that van Ree released a statement in her ex-girlfriend’s defense, in which she said, “In 2009, Amber was wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalized by two individuals in a power position.”

She also touched on the current allegations against Depp, saying, “It’s disheartening that Amber’s integrity and story are being questioned yet again. Amber is a brilliant, honest and beautiful woman and I have the utmost respect for her.”